How to Save a Dying Pittosporum

A pittosporum hedge can look healthy for years, then suddenly start yellowing, dropping leaves, or thinning out. Most cases of decline are linked to poor soil, incorrect watering, pests, or nutrient deficiencies. The good news is that with the right care, many struggling pittosporum can be revived and returned to full health. This guide explains how to diagnose problems and the steps to save a dying pittosporum hedge in Australia.

Step 1: Diagnose the Problem

Saving a pittosporum begins with working out why it is declining. Look for these common signs:

Yellowing leaves: Often caused by water stress or nutrient deficiency.
Browning tips or edges: Can indicate drought stress, windburn, or salt damage.
Thinning hedge: Usually from lack of light inside the canopy or infrequent pruning.
Drooping or wilting: Poor drainage or overwatering may be suffocating the roots.
Chewed or curling leaves: Insects such as pittosporum psyllid can weaken plants if untreated.

Check the soil around the roots. Heavy, wet soil or completely dry conditions are the most common stress factors. A quick scratch of the bark can also help — if the inner stem is still green, the plant is alive and can recover.

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Step 2: Apply Immediate Fixes

Once you’ve identified the likely issue, act quickly to stabilise the hedge:

Water stress: Deep water during dry spells, ensuring moisture penetrates 20–30 cm into the soil. In soggy conditions, improve drainage or redirect excess water.
Poor soil: Add mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature. Loosen compacted soil if roots are struggling to breathe.
Pruning: Lightly trim back damaged or leggy growth to stimulate new shoots. Avoid heavy cutting during extreme heat or frost.
Pest control: Inspect leaves for psyllids or scale insects. Prune out affected sections and apply horticultural oil if needed.

Consistency is key. A stressed pittosporum may take several weeks to show recovery, so maintain a routine rather than making drastic changes all at once.

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Step 3: Feed for Recovery

After addressing water and soil issues, fertilising is the final step in reviving a struggling pittosporum. Balanced nutrients support root repair, strengthen foliage, and encourage new growth. Apply fertiliser in early spring or after pruning to give the plant an extra boost during recovery.

Young recovering plants: Light, regular applications every 6–8 weeks.
Older hedges: Two to three feeds across the growing season is usually enough.
Method: Dilute liquid fertiliser and water in thoroughly at the root zone.

For reliable results, use CompleteGrow’s All Purpose Plant Liquid Fertiliser NPK 20-20-20 at 4 ml per litre of water. This formula delivers nitrogen for leaf regrowth, phosphorus for root repair, and potassium for resilience, helping pittosporum bounce back stronger and healthier.

Quick FAQs

Why is my pittosporum turning yellow? Usually water stress or nutrient deficiency — check soil moisture and fertilise.
Can a dead-looking pittosporum come back? If stems are still green under the bark, it can recover with proper care.
How long does recovery take? Visible improvement can take 4–8 weeks depending on severity.
What fertiliser helps a dying pittosporum? A balanced NPK like CompleteGrow’s 20-20-20 liquid is ideal for recovery.